Connecting device for wooden structures

Abstract

The invention relates to a joining device (1) for wooden structures comprising two elongated parts (2,3) which can be coupled to and uncoupled from one another in an axial direction. Each part has: a cylindrical intermediate stem (2a, 3a), a head (2b, 3b) at one end of the cylindrical intermediate stem, a rod (2c, 3c) emerging from the other end of the cylindrical intermediate stem, with the cross- section in the entirety of the rod having a smaller surface than the cross-section of the cylindrical intermediate stem. The two parts are configured such that, when axially coupled, they can adopt two angular positions relative to one another, a locking position in which widenings (2d, 3d) of the rods are superimposed such that the two parts are axially anchored to one another, and a release position in which the relative axial movement between both parts in opposite directions is allowed. The device of the invention reduces the dimension of the perforation made on the elements, i.e., boards or bars, to be joined, thereby preventing the weakening of the joint.

Description

[0001] JOINING DEVICE FOR WOODEN STRUCTURES

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention relates to a joining device for wooden structures.

[0005] This device is composed of three parts; two of which, complementary to each other, prevent the elements (boards or bars) they connect from separating from each other (in a direction perpendicular to their work plane), thus preventing the joint formed by said elements from coming undone. These parts, which in most cases pass through the bars they are intended to connect, are inserted at opposite ends of the set of bars to be secured. A third part is inserted into one of the two aforementioned parts to prevent reversing the rotational movement that secures the joint, should it be necessary.

[0006] The invention is preferably applicable to form structures made solely of wood.

[0007] STATE OF THE ART

[0008] There are known joining devices for wooden structures whose operating system is similar to that of the device object of the invention, which are either metallic - like bolts - or are made of wood, but they require a greater perforation in the elements that they pass through and fix to guarantee the effectiveness of the joint, which weakens the resistance of said joint by reducing the section of the elements that it joins.

[0009] An example of this last type of device is shown in claim 2 of the Spanish patent ES-2.944.807 A1, which describes a wooden key that guarantees its effectiveness by means of two flexible linear elements located at both of its ends, which, in order to pass through the set of bars that they are going to "embrace", are inserted in a "retracted" position and, once inserted, return to their initial "extended" position, collecting the set of elements to be joined with respective tabs.

[0010] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The device is mainly formed by two complementary pieces with an elongated shape, which are those that keep the elements -boards or bars that constitute the wooden structures- joined in a perpendicular direction with respect to their work plane, preventing the union formed by said elements from coming undone. These pieces pass through the elements that they are intended to join and are inserted at the opposite ends of the set of elements to be secured, subsequently performing a rotation that prevents the translational movement of said pieces in the opposite direction to that in which they have been introduced.

[0011] A third piece is inserted into one of the aforementioned two pieces to, if necessary, prevent reversing the rotating movement that secures the joint.

[0012] More specifically, the invention relates to a joining device for wooden structures characterized by comprising two elongated pieces that can be coupled and decoupled from each other in an axial direction within a cylindrical perforation made in the wooden elements to be joined.

[0013] Each of the pieces comprises: a cylindrical intermediate trunk, a head at one end of the cylindrical intermediate trunk, a stem emerging from the other end of the cylindrical intermediate trunk - the cross section of the stem being of a smaller surface area than that of the cylindrical intermediate trunk - and the stem having a widening at its free end.

[0014] Preferably, the head is cylindrical and has a diameter greater than the diameter of the intermediate cylindrical trunk and the perforation through which the device joins the elements that make up the wooden structures.

[0015] The two parts are configured so that, when they are axially coupled, they can adopt two angular positions relative to each other, namely: a locking position in which the extensions of the stems are superimposed so that the two parts are axially anchored to each other, and a release position in which the extensions of the stems do not overlap (are misaligned) allowing relative axial displacement between both parts in opposite directions.

[0016] The stem of each part has a larger section and a smaller section. The larger section defines the flare and extends from the smaller section to the free end of the stem. The smaller section is comprised between the larger section and the intermediate cylindrical trunk of the part, and where the axial length of the larger section of the stem of one part is equal to the axial length of the smaller section of the stem of the other part.

[0017] The cross-section of the larger section and the smaller section of the stem of each piece is constant along its entire length.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cross-section of the stem of one of the pieces is a circular sector of 180° in the larger section section and a circular segment in the smaller section section of the stem, and the cross-section of the stem of the other piece is a circular sector of 90° in the larger section section and a circular segment in the smaller section section of the stem.

[0019] Preferably, the stems of the first and second pieces are shaped so that the curved surface of each stem is a continuity of the curved surface of the cylindrical intermediate trunk.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the parts has a straight, through-hole perforation through the head and the cylindrical intermediate trunk. The device further comprises a pin that can be inserted into said perforation, the pin being longer than the perforation, and said perforation being arranged such that, in the locked position of the two parts, the pin inserted in the perforation prevents relative rotation between the two parts, thereby preventing the two parts from becoming unintentionally disconnected.

[0021] Preferably, the three pieces are rigid and made entirely of wood or a plastic material suitable for their functionality.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] To complete the description and to provide a better understanding of the invention, a set of drawings is provided, which form an integral part of the description and illustrate embodiments of the invention. These drawings should not be construed as restricting the scope of the invention, but merely as examples of how the invention may be carried out. The drawings comprise the following figures:

[0024] Figure 1.- shows in Figures 1A and 1B perspective views from different angles of the joining device, with the parts uncoupled. The cylindrical tubular body represents the cylindrical perforation made in the elements to be joined, within which the two parts of the device fit.

[0025] Figure 2.- shows in figures 2A and 2B perspective views from different angles of the joining device, with the pieces in a first phase of coupling.

[0026] Figure 3.- shows in figures 3A and 3B perspective views from different angles of the joining device, with the pieces coupled.

[0027] Figure 4.- shows a plan view of the first part in Figure 4A; Figure 4B shows a plan view of the second part; and Figure 4C shows the coupling between the two parts, with the two expansions overlapping.

[0028] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Figures 1A and 1B show a preferred embodiment of a joining device (1) for wooden structures, comprising a first piece (2) and a second piece (3) that can be coupled and decoupled from each other in the axial direction within a cylindrical perforation (4) made in the pieces of wood to be joined.

[0030] The first piece (2) is a single body, consisting of an intermediate cylindrical trunk (2a), a head (2b) at one end of the intermediate cylindrical trunk (2a) and a rod (2c) emerging from the other end of the intermediate cylindrical trunk (2a), the shape of the cross section of the rod being approximately the same as a circular sector of the intermediate cylindrical trunk (2a), and the rod having a widening (2d) at its free end.

[0031] The head (2b) will preferably be cylindrical and has a larger diameter than the bore (4). The intermediate cylindrical trunk (2a) has a smaller diameter than the bore (4), the one necessary for one to fit inside the other. The outer perimeter surface of the stem (2c) and its widening (2d) are a continuation of part of the curved surface of the intermediate cylindrical trunk (2a), each of them with a different surface area.

[0032] Similarly, the second piece (3) is a single body, consisting of an intermediate cylindrical trunk (3a), a head (3b) at one end of the intermediate cylindrical trunk (3a) and a rod (3c) emerging from the other end of the intermediate cylindrical trunk (3a), the shape of the cross section of the rod being approximately the same as a circular segment of the intermediate cylindrical trunk (3a), and the rod having a widening (3d) at its free end.

[0033] The head (3b) will preferably be cylindrical and has a larger diameter than the bore (4). The intermediate cylindrical trunk (3a) has a smaller diameter than the bore (4), the one necessary for one to fit inside the other. The outer perimeter surface of the stem (3c) and its widening (3d) are a continuation of part of the curved surface of the intermediate cylindrical trunk (3a), each of them with a different surface area.

[0034] The two pieces (2,3) are configured with a complementary shape so that, when they are axially coupled, they can adopt two relative angular positions with respect to each other: a locking position shown in Figures 3A and 3B, in which the widenings (2d, 3d) of the rods are superimposed so that the two pieces (2,3) are axially anchored with respect to each other, and a release position shown in Figures 1A, 2A and 1B, 2B in which relative axial movement between both pieces (2,3) in opposite directions is permitted.

[0035] The stem (2c) of the first part (2) has a section with a larger section and a section with a smaller section. The section with a larger section defines the widening (2d) and extends from the section with a smaller section to the free end of the stem, and the section with a smaller section is comprised between the section with a larger section and the intermediate cylindrical trunk (2a) of the part (2).

[0036] Similarly, the stem (3c) of the second part (3) has a section with a larger section and a section with a smaller section. The section with a larger section defines the widening (3d) and extends from the section with a smaller section to the free end of the stem, and the section with a smaller section is comprised between the section with a larger section and the intermediate cylindrical trunk (3a) of the part (3).

[0037] The axial length of the larger section section (2d, 3d) of the stem (2c, 3c) of one piece (2, 3) is equal to the axial length of the smaller section section of the stem (2c, 3c) of the other piece (2, 3).

[0038] Furthermore, the cross-section of the larger section section (2d, 3d) and the smaller section section of the stem (2c, 3c) of each piece (2, 3) is constant along its entire length.

[0039] In this preferred embodiment, the cross-section of the larger section section (3d) of the rod (3c) of the second piece (3) is a circular sector of 180°, while the cross-section of the smaller section section of the rod (3c), having to be set back inwards with respect to the cross-section of the larger section section (3d) in order to anchor the cross-section of the larger section section (2d) of the rod (2c) of the first piece (2), is a circular segment, and the cross-section of the larger section section (2d) of the rod (2c) of the first piece (2) has the shape of a circular sector of 90°, while the cross-section of the smaller section section of the rod (2c), having to be set back inwards with respect to the cross-section of the larger section section (2d) in order to anchor the cross-section of the larger section section (3d) of the rod (3c) of the second piece (3), is a circular segment.

[0040] Preferably, in the exemplary embodiment of the figures, the second piece (3) has a straight perforation (5) passing through the head (3b) and the intermediate cylindrical trunk (3a). The device (1) also comprises a third piece, a pin (6), which can be inserted into said perforation (5) and is longer than the perforation (5). The perforation (5) is positioned such that, in the locked position (Figures 3A and 3B) between the two pieces (2,3), the pin (6) can be inserted into the perforation (5) protruding sufficiently from the inner base of the cylindrical portion (3a) of the second piece (3), as shown in Figure 3B, to prevent relative rotation between the two pieces (2,3), thus ensuring that the connection between them does not come apart.

[0041] The three pieces (2, 3, 6) are rigid and made entirely of wood or a plastic material suitable for their functionality.

[0042] For the coupling between the pieces (2,3), both are inserted in an axial direction into the cylindrical bore (4) as shown in Figures 1A and 1B, that is to say in a position in which the free ends of the rods (2d, 3d) of both pieces (2,3) do not coincide, so that both pieces (2,3) can be inserted into the bore (4) up to the bottom, which is when the free end of each rod contacts the base of the intermediate cylindrical trunk (2a, 3a) of the other piece, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. In this position, one of the pieces is rotated with respect to the other until the free ends of the rods (2d, 3d) are superimposed, keeping both pieces (2,3) interlocked. Finally, the pin (6) is inserted into the hole (5) to prevent relative rotation between the pieces.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Device (1) for joining wooden structures characterized in that it comprises: two elongated pieces (2, 3) that can be coupled and uncoupled from each other in an axial direction, where each of the pieces (2, 3) comprises: an intermediate cylindrical trunk (2a, 3a), which has a diameter adjusted to the perforation (4) through which the device (1) joins the elements that make up the wooden structures.a head (2d, 3d) at one end of the cylindrical intermediate trunk (2a, 3a), the head (2d, 3d) being wider than the cylindrical intermediate trunk (2a, 3a) and than the aforementioned perforation (4), a rod (2c, 3c) emerging from the other end of the cylindrical intermediate trunk (2a, 3a), the cross section of the rod (2c, 3c) being of smaller surface area than that of the cylindrical intermediate trunk (2a, 3a), and the rod (2c, 3c) having a widening (2d, 3d) at its free end, and where the two pieces (2, 3) are configured such that, when they are axially coupled, they can adopt two angular positions relative to each other: a locking position in which the widenings (2d, 3d) of the rods (2c, 3c) are superimposed so so that the two pieces (2,3) are axially anchored to each other, and a release position in which relative axial movement between both pieces (2,3) is allowed in both directions. 2.- Joining device for wooden structures, according to claim 1, wherein the rod (2c, 3c) of each piece has a section of larger section and a section of smaller section, the section of larger section defines the widening (2d, 3d) and extends from the section of smaller section to the free end of the rod, and the section of smaller section is comprised between the section of larger section and the intermediate cylindrical trunk (2a, 3a) of the piece, and where the axial length of the section of larger section (2d, 3d) of the rod (2c, 3c) of one piece (2, 3) is equal to the axial length of the section of smaller section of the rod (2c, 3c) of the other piece (2, 3). 3.- Joining device for wooden structures, according to claim 2, where the cross section of the larger section section (2d, 3d) and that of the smaller section section of the rod (2c, 3c) of each piece (2, 3), is constant throughout its length. 4.- Joining device for wooden structures, according to claim 3, where the cross section of the stem (3c) of one of the pieces (3) is a circular sector of 180° in the larger section section (3d) and a circular segment in the smaller section section, and where the cross section of the stem (2c) of the other piece (2) is a circular sector of 90° in the larger section section (2d) and a circular segment in the smaller section section. 5.- Joining device for wooden structures, according to claim 4, because the rods (2c, 3c) of the first and second piece (2, 3) are shaped so that the curved surface of each rod (2c, 3c) and its widening (3c, 3d) are a continuity of part of the curved surface of the intermediate cylindrical trunk (2a, 3a), each of them with a different surface area. 6.- Joining device for wooden structures, according to any of the previous claims, where the head (2b, 3b) is preferably cylindrical and has a diameter greater than the diameter of the intermediate cylindrical trunk (2a, 3a) and the perforation (4) through which the device (1) joins the elements that make up the wooden structures. 7.- Joining device for wooden structures, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the pieces (2, 3) has a straight perforation (5) passing through the head (2b, 3b) and the intermediate cylindrical trunk (2a, 3a), and where the device also comprises a third piece, a pin (6), insertable in said perforation (5), the pin (6) being longer than the perforation (5), and said perforation (5) being arranged such that in the locking position of the two pieces (2, 3), the pin (6) inserted in the perforation (5) prevents relative rotation between both pieces (2, 3), thus ensuring that the union between both does not come apart. 8.- Joining device for wooden structures, according to any of the preceding claims, where each of the pieces (2, 3, 6) are rigid and are made entirely of wood or a plastic material suitable for its functionality.

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